New Type of Cell, Discovered in Human Lungs, May Lead to Novel Treatments. 'The Independent' reports that scientists have discovered a new type of cell within human lungs that could help to treat some kinds of respiratory diseases. . Researchers reportedly identified new cells called, respiratory airway secretory cells (RASCs), in human lung tissue samples. According to the study, published last week in the journal 'Nature,' these cells line tiny airways near the alveoli air sacs which exchange oxygen for carbon dioxide. The study also found that RASCs have stem-cell-like properties that allow them to regenerate other lung cells. According to the study, common smoking-related ailments disrupt the normal functions of RASCs. Scientists believe that correcting this disruption could lead to a potential treatment for COPD and other smoking-related respiratory ailments. Scientists believe that correcting this disruption could lead to a potential treatment for COPD and other smoking-related respiratory ailments. COPD causes approximately, 3 million deaths, globally each year. It affects nearly 10% of people in some regions of the U.S. Current forms of treatment can only slow the progression of the disease but are unable to stop or reverse it. COPD is a devastating and common disease, yet we really don’t understand the cellular biology of why or how some patients develop it, Maria Basil, study first author, via 'The Independent'. Identifying new cell types, in particular new progenitor cells, that are injured in COPD could really accelerate the development of new treatments, Maria Basil, study first author, via 'The Independent'
